September 2002 Weekly Firesides

Hear Ye .... Hear Ye
"The Weekly Fireside"
of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending 01 September 2002

Our Mission: To serve all genealogists by providing an enjoyable online environment with as many helpful and reliable resources as possible.

If you know someone who would like to receive the newsletter by email, please have them send an email to HOST GFS Jim and HOST GFS Jayne with subscribe in the subject line.

===============================================

Early Birds: 19 Sept. 2002 - The Nabb Research Center will be open until 9 p.m.

Friday 20 Sept.

• 8-9 a.m. - Registration.
  
• 9-9:15 a.m. -- Opening remarks: Jerry Hynson, President, Maryland Genealogical Society.
  
• 9:15-10:15 a.m. -- Migration of Virginians into Old Somerset, Dr. Ray Thompson.
  
• 10:30-11:30 a.m. - Early Settlement of the Delmarva: the effects of geography and boundary changes, Russ McCabe.
  
• 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. -- (Option One) Using Probate Records in MD and DE, Vernon Skinner. (Option Two) Researching Old Somerset, Rebecca Miller.
  
• 2-3 p.m. -- Genealogical Research at the Maryland State Archives: an update, Dr. R. J. Rockefeller.
  
• 3:15-4:15 p.m. -- A Survey of Church Records of the Delmarva of the 17th and 18th Centuries, Ed Wright.
  
• 6:30 p.m. -- Evening Banquet at the Salisbury University Dining Hall (register separately) $25 cost. Guest speaker at the banquet will be Dr. Bart Talbert. His topic will be Maryland and the Civil War.
  
  
Saturday 21 Sept.

• 8-8:30 a.m. -- Registration
  
• 8:30-9:30 a.m. -- (Option One) Beginning Your Search for Ancestors, Bob Barnes. (Option Two) Swedes from New Sweden: Those who ventured south into the Delmarva, Dr. Peter Craig.
  
• 9:45-10:45 a.m. -- Slavery and the Underground Railroad on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Dr. Clara Small.
  
• 11 a.m.-12 Noon -- Early Quakers on the Delmarva Peninsula, Dr. Kenneth Carroll.
  
• 12 Noon -1:30 p.m. -- Lunch Break
  
• 1:30-2:30 p.m. - (Option One) Exploiting the Military Records of your Delmarva Ancestor, Ed Wright. (Option Two) Land Records: Their use in genealogical research, Dr. Neil Keddie.
  
• 2:45-3:45 p.m. -- Leaving no Stone Unturned in Your Genealogical Research, Bob Barnes.
  
• 3:45-4:30 p.m. -- Discussion Panel, Various Speakers from Program.

Editor's Note: I sincerely encourage you to feel entirely free to post any Civil War Letters, Stories or articles that you have in our Civil War History Files through the new Military Resources Website. We are trying "beef up" our Library and now those of you who have patiently stuck with us who aren't AOL Members can now participate. There is also an area for you to upload photos, if you would desire to share those with the Civil War History community. On the Web Site, there are links to our Civil War Library (Files, Firesides, and Photo's).

===============================================

===============================================

===============================================

===============================================

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.com/owholmes.htm
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. Associate Justice, US Supreme Court

http://www.broadfootpublishing.com/index.html
New site addresss (URL) for Broadfoot Publishing

http://www.soldiersearch.com/index.html
Soldiers and Sailors CW search site

http://theoldbrunswickcam512.Ocatch.com
Civil War Old Brunswick Co., VA (Camp No 512)

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/1499/CWPress.html
Civil War Newspapers

=====================================================

"I think it is a noble and pious thing
To do whatever we may by written
Word or molded bronze and sculpted
Stone to keep our memories, our
Reverence and our love alive and
To hand them on to new generations
All too ready to forget."

Hear Ye .... Hear Ye
"The Weekly Fireside"
of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending 15 September 2002

Our Mission: To serve all genealogists by providing an enjoyable online environment with as many helpful and reliable resources as possible.

If you know someone who would like to receive the newsletter by email, please have them send an email to HOST GFS Jim and HOST GFS Jayne with subscribe in the subject line.

===============================================

Early Birds: 19 Sept. 2002 - The Nabb Research Center will be open until 9 p.m.

Friday 20 Sept.

• 8-9 a.m. - Registration.
  
• 9-9:15 a.m. -- Opening remarks: Jerry Hynson, President, Maryland Genealogical Society.
  
• 9:15-10:15 a.m. -- Migration of Virginians into Old Somerset, Dr. Ray Thompson.
  
• 10:30-11:30 a.m. - Early Settlement of the Delmarva: the effects of geography and boundary changes, Russ McCabe.
  
• 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. -- (Option One) Using Probate Records in MD and DE, Vernon Skinner. (Option Two) Researching Old Somerset, Rebecca Miller.
  
• 2-3 p.m. -- Genealogical Research at the Maryland State Archives: an update, Dr. R. J. Rockefeller.
  
• 3:15-4:15 p.m. -- A Survey of Church Records of the Delmarva of the 17th and 18th Centuries, Ed Wright.
  
• 6:30 p.m. -- Evening Banquet at the Salisbury University Dining Hall (register separately) $25 cost. Guest speaker at the banquet will be Dr. Bart Talbert. His topic will be Maryland and the Civil War.
  
  
Saturday 21 Sept.

• 8-8:30 a.m. -- Registration
  
• 8:30-9:30 a.m. -- (Option One) Beginning Your Search for Ancestors, Bob Barnes. (Option Two) Swedes from New Sweden: Those who ventured south into the Delmarva, Dr. Peter Craig.
  
• 9:45-10:45 a.m. -- Slavery and the Underground Railroad on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, Dr. Clara Small.
  
• 11 a.m.-12 Noon -- Early Quakers on the Delmarva Peninsula, Dr. Kenneth Carroll.
  
• 12 Noon -1:30 p.m. -- Lunch Break
  
• 1:30-2:30 p.m. - (Option One) Exploiting the Military Records of your Delmarva Ancestor, Ed Wright. (Option Two) Land Records: Their use in genealogical research, Dr. Neil Keddie.
  
• 2:45-3:45 p.m. -- Leaving no Stone Unturned in Your Genealogical Research, Bob Barnes.
  
• 3:45-4:30 p.m. -- Discussion Panel, Various Speakers from Program.

Editor's Note: I sincerely encourage you to feel entirely free to post any Civil War Letters, Stories or articles that you have in our Civil War History Files through the new Military Resources Website. We are trying "beef up" our Library and now those of you who have patiently stuck with us who aren't AOL Members can now participate. There is also an area for you to upload photos, if you would desire to share those with the Civil War History community. On the Web Site, there are links to our Civil War Library (Files, Firesides, and Photo's).

===============================================

===============================================

Did you know?.....................

Atlanta, GA.
September 16, 1864

Rev Bradley, Confederate Army:
Dear Sir:
     Your letter of September 14 is received. I approach a question involving a title to a "horse" with deference for the laws of war. That mysterious code, of which we talk so much but know so little, is remarkably silent on the "horse." He is a beast so tempting to the soldier, to him of the wild cavalry, the fancy artillery, or the patient infantry, that I find more difficulty in recovering a worthless spavined beast, than in paying a million of "Greenbacks"; so that I fear I must reduce your claim to one of finance, and refer you to the great board of claims in Washington, that may reach your case by the time your grandchild becomes a great grandfather.
     Privately, I think it was a shabby thing in that scamp of the Thirty-first Missouri who took your horse, and the colonel or his brigadier should have restored him. But I cannot undertake to make good the sins of omission of my own colonels and brigadiers, much less of those of former generation. "When this cruel war is over," and peace once more gives you a parish, I will promise, if near you, to procure out of Uncle Sam's corrals a beast that will replace the one taken from you, so wrongfully; but no it is impossible. We have a big journey before us and need all we have, and, I fear, more too; so look out when the Yanks are about and hide your beasts, for my experience is that all soldiers are very careless in a search for title. I know that General Hardee will confirm this, my advice.

With great respect, yours truly,
W.T. Sherman,
Major General

-- Rev. G.S. Bradley

===============================================

===============================================

http://photos2.ghostweb.com/afaul.html
Gettysburg Apparation

===============================================

After many years of searching I have now found the grave of my husbands great grandfather and would like a picture of it if any one lives near the cemetery or visits it.
He was a Confederate Soldier from Franklin County Virginia
Paschal McGuire
Enlised 7/23/1861 at Camp Hicks,Va as a Private
On 7/23/1861 he mustered into "D" Va 58th Inf
He died of Diptheria 1/15/1862 at Monterey, Va. Hospital
Buried Thornrose Cemetery, Staunton, VA
Gravesite: 679

I would be grateful for a picture of his grave.
[email protected]

===============================================

===============================================

"I think it is a noble and pious thing
To do whatever we may by written
Word or molded bronze and sculpted
Stone to keep our memories, our
Reverence and our love alive and
To hand them on to new generations
All too ready to forget."

Hear Ye .... Hear Ye
"The Weekly Fireside"
of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending 22 Sept 2002

Our Mission: To serve all genealogists by providing an enjoyable online environment with as many helpful and reliable resources as possible.

If you know someone who would like to receive the newsletter by email, please have them send an email to HOST GFS Jim and HOST GFS Jayne with subscribe in the subject line.

===============================================

A great time was had by all around the Fireside for some general chit-chat about the Civil War. We're sorry you missed it!!

Be sure to join us this week for HOST GFS Jim's story "The Ozarks Burn" You won't want to miss it!!!

===============================================

Editor's Note: I sincerely encourage you to feel entirely free to post any Civil War Letters, Stories or articles that you have in our Civil War History Files through the new Military Resources Website. We are trying "beef up" our Library and now those of you who have patiently stuck with us who aren't AOL Members can now participate. There is also an area for you to upload photos, if you would desire to share those with the Civil War History community. On the Web Site, there are links to our Civil War Library (Files, Firesides, and Photo's).

===============================================

FOR ALL YOU 1ST TIMERS ON THURSDAY - "WE REALLY WELCOME YOU TO OUR MERRY BAND" WE ENJOYED HAVING YOU, TRADING QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS AND ESPECIALLY YOUR CAMARADERIE!!! :-)... COME AGAIN OFTEN, WE DO INDEED "RELISH" YOUR COMPANY..

Every first-timer to the American Civil War History SIG gets put on the newsletter distribution automatically, because we like to send you a "Thank You Card" for coming to visit and this is our way of doing so. We hope to give you an opportunity to jump right in with us. If you desire NOT to receive the newsletter, then just drop us an email saying UNSUBSCRIBE and we will quickly remove your screen name from distribution. We certainly don't want to clog your mailbox with unwanted material. Also many of you pass on the newsletter to others that don't subscribe to AOL. We really want to thank you for spreading the word. I would also like to let you know that we would be happy to add them to our list if they have email of any sort. We distribute everywhere to those that have requested it. AOL membership is not a requirement although we'd love to see you in the Chat Room :D

===============================================

Did you know?

This was forwarded to me by [email protected] and since we just did a story about the Hunley not long ago, I thought you might like to read it.

HUNLEY PROJECT UPDATE

CLEMSON AND HUNLEY SCIENTISTS
COMBINE EXPERTISE TO CONSERVE NATIONAL ICON

September 19,2002 - Charleston, SC – Clemson University is joining an international effort to conserve the H.L. Hunley, the first submarine in history to sink a warship in battle. The Civil War submarine, recovered off the coast of South Carolina, is one of the largest intact metal artifacts ever recovered from the ocean floor. But its size – 45 feet – and wrought iron and cast iron composition have complicated the job of conserving the submarine, which is now being maintained in a special chilled fresh-water solution at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center.

The research could lead to new approaches and methodologies for the conservation of historically significant marine artifacts, said Richard V. Gregory, director of Clemson’s nationally renowned School of Materials Science and Engineering.

Like any iron artifact immersed in seawater for an extended period of time, the Hunley’s iron hull is contaminated with iron chlorides, said Paul Mardikian, Senior Conservator on the Hunley Project. If exposed to air, these 'salts' literally bind up to the metal, making the overall structure of the sub extremely unstable. The potentially devastating effect of oxygen and humidity could induce a corrosion cycle where, if the submarine is left untreated, she could decay and eventually collapse or disintegrate to iron dust.

“Clemson has the analytical and research power that is required to help preserve this American icon,” said Mardikian. “Just as the Hunley was a technological first for its time, so will be the method of conservation.”

"We're charting new ground – it's not like there's a text book out there we can follow," said Mike Drews, the materials scientist heading the Clemson research team. “There has been very very precious little scientific research done on marine artifacts of this kind.”

One key difference is the team will utilize metal fragments from the actual sub (for example, a rivet that had to be removed in order to gain entry into the sub) and other recovered ships from that same time period. Most of the current in-depth conservation know-how comes not from recovered artifact metals but from modern metals that have been corroded in lab settings.

Drews estimates that it will take at least a year to analyze the sub and devise the best strategy for its conservation. The entire project could take as many as seven years.

Drews and Mardikian will coordinate a team of scientists and students from Clemson, the Smithsonian Institution, France’s Cold Plasma Research Lab, the Western Australian Maritime Museum, and other scientists from around the world. The team will map corrosion and corrosion products and make recommendations on the best way to halt the decay. In time they’ll also analyze leather and textile artifacts found in the sub. Drews will take a sabbatical from teaching in order to work on the Hunley’s conservation and preservation fulltime beginning in September.

Once long-term stability is successfully achieved on the submarine, the Hunley will then be put on permanent public display as a historic and technological educational tool. Until that time, she’ll remain at the Warren Lasch Conservation Center. Currently, scientists are also conducting forensic research and facial reconstructions of the Hunley’s eight-man crew.

"The Hunley truly is a national treasure, and we've only got one chance to do it right," said Drews.

Clemson University is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the leading national university in South Carolina and 39th among the nation's top public universities.

The Hunley disappeared on Feb. 17, 1864, after becoming the first submarine in world history to sink a ship in battle. After being lost at sea for over 130 years, the Hunley was located in 1995 and then recovered in August of 2000. Authorities are still working to solve the mystery of what caused the Hunley to sink after her historic mission.

.............and there you have it.

===============================================

Ken Burns' The Civil War will be rebroadcast this month on PBS-TV... here's page where folks can check to see when it's going to be broadcast in their area.
http://www.pbs.org/whatson/index.html
PBS - TV Schedule

While this isn't really Civil War, it is definitely a site to check out.
http://readroom.ipl.org/cgi/i/ipl/ipl.books-idx.pl?type=deweystem&q1=920
IPL Online Texts Dewey Browse

Sept 23 7PM Ken Burns of PBS Civil War special fame
         24 9PM Robert Lee Hodge- Reinactor
         26 7PM Shelby Foote- Civil War author and historian

===============================================

After many years of searching I have now found the grave of my husbands great grandfather and would like a picture of it if any one lives near the cemetery or visits it.
He was a Confederate Soldier from Franklin County Virginia
Paschal McGuire
Enlised 7/23/1861 at Camp Hicks,Va as a Private
On 7/23/1861 he mustered into "D" Va 58th Inf
He died of Diptheria 1/15/1862 at Monterey, Va. Hospital
Buried Thornrose Cemetery, Staunton, VA
Gravesite: 679

I would be grateful for a picture of his grave.
[email protected]

===============================================

Camp Butler Newport News Virginia
Thursday afternoon Feb 13th 1861 [1862]

Dear Sister Ann,

I received your kind letter of the 8th was very glad to hear from you. I am here yet in the same old place. And am well, never was better in my life. It is strange that you have not received a letter from me before. I have wrote to you every week and I calculate to do so for weeks to come.

Everything is quiet here as usual. A terrible accident happened here last Tuesday the 11th. And one of my mess was killed and another man that belonged in Co. D. Last Tuesday they was trying to throw a shot over to Pigs Point across the river, firing with an 8 inch Sawyer rifled gun. They fired once and the shot dident go over. The next time they say they over charged the gun and it burst, killing 2 men instantly and wounding several others. James Shepard was one, he came out with me and was in my mess all the time. I was eating supper with him 10 minutes before he was killed. We was both eating supper when they fired the first time. Shepard says to me lets go out and see them fire. We both started, I went most out there when I turned back and says to Shepard, if I don't take care of my coffee some of the boys weill drink it. I went back and put my coffee in my box and started to go out to the gun. I got just out of the door when the gun bursted. The boys came running down to the Captain saying Shepard was a dead man and sure enough he was. He had just got there when the gun bursted. I think if it hadn't been for the coffee I should have got hurt. Most likely I should have moved close by him as he asked me to go and see them fire. A piece of cannon struck him and killed instantly. The other man was one of the men that was drilling on the gun. It was a horrible sight. Yesterday we sent the body home. I went down to the fort with the body. The whole regiment turned out and the 1st New York regiment band played music. It was a solemn affair. I don't want to see another such, not for anything but I probably shall if I ever get into battle.

I received a letter from Charles at the same time I received yours. He says he has wrote to you often. Sure is something wrong about it, for sure is as many as three letters that I have sent that you haven't got, and it is nothing strange if his letters should get lost. He writes he is well as usual and says he has goot time. As you say I guess he has extra good times. I have got the same chance to spend my money. I could spend every cent of my wages for extras if I was a mind to.

I haven't heard from any of the folks except you, for a great while.

About papers Ann, anything in the shape of reading, no matter what, will be thankfully received and all expenses paid, and expecially a paper from Manchester.

The late victories have almost started a new life into the men. We have laid still so long without any such good news; We are receiving good news from Burnside today, stating that he has taken Roanoke Island and destroyed the Rebel's gun boats. And that the people of Norfolk are in a great escitement---fearing the safety of that city. Burside is now in the rear of the city and nothing to hinder him from marching on to the city except the swamps and the bad state of roads. It has rained almost every day for a month. Today is as pleasant and warm, we was out drilling in our shirt sleeves. Perhaps tomorrow it will rain. I will draw to a close---write soon. Give my love to all that inquires for me.

From your brother
William E. Short
Newport News, VA

Co. B. 29th Mass. Regt.
Care of Capt. I. N. Wilson

Tell Willis to write me a letter
You must excuse these turkey tracks and a poor pen.

Tell .....?..... to write if you write to her.

===============================================

"I think it is a noble and pious thing
To do whatever we may by written
Word or molded bronze and sculpted
Stone to keep our memories, our
Reverence and our love alive and
To hand them on to new generations
All too ready to forget."

Hear Ye .... Hear Ye
"The Weekly Fireside"
of the American Civil War History
Special Interest Group;
Distribution Coast to Coast
Week ending 29 Sept 2002

===============================================

===============================================

Editor's Note: I sincerely encourage you to feel entirely free to post any Civil War Letters, Stories or articles that you have in our Civil War History Files through the new Military Resources Website. We are trying "beef up" our Library and now those of you who have patiently stuck with us who aren't AOL Members can now participate. There is also an area for you to upload photos, if you would desire to share those with the Civil War History community. On the Web Site, there are links to our Civil War Library (Files, Firesides, and Photo's).

===============================================

FOR ALL YOU 1ST TIMERS ON THURSDAY - "WE REALLY WELCOME YOU TO OUR MERRY BAND" WE ENJOYED HAVING YOU, TRADING QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS AND ESPECIALLY YOUR CAMARADERIE!!! :-)... COME AGAIN OFTEN, WE DO INDEED "RELISH" YOUR COMPANY..

Every first-timer to the American Civil War History SIG gets put on the newsletter distribution automatically, because we like to send you a "Thank You Card" for coming to visit and this is our way of doing so. We hope to give you an opportunity to jump right in with us. If you desire NOT to receive the newsletter, then just drop us an email saying UNSUBSCRIBE and we will quickly remove your screen name from distribution. We certainly don't want to clog your mailbox with unwanted material. Also many of you pass on the newsletter to others that don't subscribe to AOL. We really want to thank you for spreading the word. I would also like to let you know that we would be happy to add them to our list if they have email of any sort. We distribute everywhere to those that have requested it. AOL membership is not a requirement although we'd love to see you in the Chat Room :D

===============================================

Did you know?......

The day of the Presidential election of 1864 approached. The Rebels at Andersonville Prison were naturally very much interested in the result, as they believed that the election of McClellan meant compromise and cessation of hostilities, whil the election of Lincoln meant prosecution of the war to the bitter end. The toadying Raiders [at Andersonville] who were perpetually hanging around the gate to get a chance to insinuate themselves in to the favor of the Rebel officers, persuaded them that we were all so bitterly hostile to our Government for not exchanging us that if we were allowed to vote we would cast an overwhelming majority in favor of McClellan.

The Rebels thought that this might perhaps be used to advantage as political capital for their friends in the North. They have orders that we might, if we chose, hold an election on the same day of the presidential circulation. They sent in some ballot boxes, and we elected Judges of the Election.

About noon of that day Captain Bowes, and a crowd of tightbooted, broad-hatted Rebel officers, strutted in with the peculiar "Efyer-don't-believe-I'm-a-butcher-just-smell-of-me-boots" swagger characteristic of the class. They had come in to see us all voting for McClellan. Instead, they found the polls surrounded with ticket pedlars shouting:

"Walk right up here now, and get your Unconditional-Union-Abraham Lincoln tickets!"

"Here's your straight-haired prosecution-of-the-war ticket."

"Vote the Lincoln ticket; vote to whip the Rebels, and make peace with them when they've laid down their arms."

"Don't vote a McClellan ticket and gratify ---- Rebels, everywhere," etc.

The Rebel officers did not find the scene what their fancy painted it, and turning around they strutted out.

When the votes came to be counted out, there were over seven thousand for Lincoln and not half that many hundred for McClellan. The latter got very few votes outside the Raider crowd. The same day a similar election was held in Florence, with like result. Of course this did not indicate that there was any such preponderance of Republicans among us. It meant simply that the Democrat boys, little as they might have liked Lincoln, would have voted for him a hundred times rather than do anything to please the Rebels.

I never heard that the Rebels sent the result to the North.

John McElroy

===============================================

===============================================

The Hunley Project
http://www.charleston.net/pub/index/hunley_index.shtml

===============================================

After many years of searching I have now found the grave of my husbands great grandfather and would like a picture of it if any one lives near the cemetery or visits it.
He was a Confederate Soldier from Franklin County Virginia
Paschal McGuire
Enlised 7/23/1861 at Camp Hicks,Va as a Private
On 7/23/1861 he mustered into "D" Va 58th Inf
He died of Diptheria 1/15/1862 at Monterey, Va. Hospital
Buried Thornrose Cemetery, Staunton, VA
Gravesite: 679

I would be grateful for a picture of his grave.
[email protected]

just ran across the following posting. It is a listing of seven Kentucky union soldiers being buried in Georgia. Until now forgotten. I didn't know who to appropriately pass this onto. I was hoping that I could get it in correct hands to properly record their final resting place. Can you help pass this on to a proper place so it doesn't get lost for another 150 years? Thanks

Below is the posting:

For those of you interested in KY Union Soldiers, please read below.

Deb Haines
Marshall County MS Coordinator
http://www.rootsweb.com/~msmarsha/index.html
-----Original Message-----
From: Name removed at the request of the sender
Subject: [MSGEN] Interesting Article re Union Soldiers buried in SW Georgia
Our small local paper published this article this week. If any of you know any "Union" researchers, especially Kentucky Union, it may be of value to someone as the local historians did take the time to research and find the names of these men who have been "missing" for all these years.

===============================================

OUR WEEKLY READING
(these items are extracts from our Letters, Songs, and Poems evenings)
To E.S. Salomon
(Who in a Memorial Day oration protested bitterly against decorating the graves of Confederate dead)
by Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914)

Ambrose Bierce enlisted in the Union Army when he was 18. He was a talented field mapmaker, performing under fire an invaluable service for officers charged with moving troops in territory they did not know. He was severely wounded in the fighting for Atlanta. Few writers saw better the ironies and stupidities of the war, and few had his devastating wit. This poem illustrates the kinship soldiers on both sides had for each other against civilians who wanted to continue hatreds when the war was over.

What! Salomon! such words from you,
Who call yourself a soldier? Well,
The Southern brother where he fell
Slept all you base oration through.

Alike to him -- he cannot know
Your praise or blame: as little harm
Your tongue can do him as your arm
A quarter - centery ago.

The brave respect the brave. The brave
Respect the dead; but you -- you draw
That ancient blade, the ass's jaw,
And shake it o'er a hero's grave.

Are you not he who makes to-day
A merchandise of old renown
Which he persuades this easy town
He won in battle far away?

Nay, those the fallen who revile
Have Ne'er before the living stood
And stoutly made their battle good
And greeted danger with a smile.

What if the dead whom still you hate
Were wrong? Are you so surely right?
We know the issues of the fight --
The sword is but an advocate.

Men live and die, and other men
Arise with knowledges diverse;
What seemed a blessing seems a curse,
And Now is still at odds with Then.

The years go on, the old comes back
To mock the new -- beneath the sun
Is nothing new; ideas run
Recurrent in an endless track.

What most we censure, men as wise
Have reverently practised; nor
Will future wisdome fail to war
On principles we dearly prize.

We do not know -- we can but deem,
And he is loyalest and best
Who takes the light full on his breast
And follows it throughout the dream.

The broken light, the shadows wide --
Behold the battle-field displayed!
God save the vanquished from the blade,
The victor from the victor's pride!

If, Salomon, the blessed dew
That falls upon the Blue and Gray
Is powerless to wash away
The sin of differing from you,

Remember how the flood of years
Has rolled across the erring slain;
Remember, too, the cleansing rain
Of widow's and of orphans' tears.

The dead are dead -- let that atone:
And though with equal hand we strew
The blooms on saint and sinner too,
Yet God will know to choose his own.

The wretch, whate'er his life and lot,
Who does not love the harmless dead
With all his heart and all his head --
May God forgive him, I shall not.

When, Salomon, you come to quaff
The Darker Cup with meeker face,
I, loving you at last, shall trace
Upon your tomb this epitaph:

"Draw near, ye generous and brave --
Kneel round this monument and weep
For one who tried in vain to keep
A flower from a soldier's grave."

...................fini

===============================================
A BIT OF COMMUNITY..
Check out the following member inputs for comments and requests for information, Feedback's, Items of Interest and Plea's for HELP...

I'll leave all the following in as I don't have any new ones.

From: [email protected]
I am forwarding this message to you in hopes you can somehow help this person. I igured somone on your list may also be interested in their books.
Dd

In a message dated 8/30/02 8:40:50 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [email protected]

Hi. I was wondering if you know of someone who might be interested in buying 2 books I have that collects Civil War items in Pa.? I had heard former Sen. John Heinz had a library or something like that with the W.Pa. Roundtable. One book is called Thrice in the Rebel Dungeons and talks about Andersonville and other camps. The other was written in 1868 about U.S. Grant and has his picture inside. It is signed on the book. I'll give someone a decent deal pricewise but also would like to see that someone gets them so people could use these as a research resource. I had relatives in the War also and am originally from Pa.
Don Kirkwood
[email protected]

Dd - We'll certainly see if anyone is interested. If you are email [email protected]


---


From: [email protected]
Friends: Can anyone here tell me more about the 118th infantry of Illinois? How and where in Illinois did they form, where did they train, and any personal stuff would be very helpful. I had a German immigrant relative in the out fit. Thanks. Phreyor...
P.S. I love reading your stuff! Keep up the good work!

"Phreyor" we'll see what the readers say!

---


From: [email protected]
I tried to help but did not have any luck. Thought I would pass this onto your readers.
Take care Dd

From: [email protected]
Hi my name is Kristin. I was wondering if you could answer a question for me by any chance. Here it is, Was there anyone in the 8th Tennessee Cavalry by the name of James A. Beckett? I tried going into the 8th Tennessee Cavalry page but it said that the page was not found. I've been searching for along to time see where he came from. This is the only information I have about him.
BECKETT, JAMES A. PVT 13 JAN 1865 I 8 CAV CONFED. CAV. 22 29 782

I got this from a website about Camp Chase.
Thanks!
Kristin


We'll put this in and see what returns.

===============================================
WHAT WE ARE ABOUT..
OUR FOCUS: the "History of the American (United States) Civil War", with byproducts of laughter, and comraderie!

OUR GOAL: to enhance your Genealogy activity, knowledge, and "wisdom" by talking about the history surrounding their lives and actions; specifically the "Civil War" that our ancestors lived through and died because of.

Captain Oliver Wendell Holmes of the 20th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, said it so well.  

"I think it is a noble and pious thing
To do whatever we may by written
Word or molded bronze and sculpted
Stone to keep our memories, our
Reverence and our love alive and
To hand them on to new generations
All too ready to forget."

OUR PROMISE: to provide an "online" environment that is NOT judgmental and to address ALL aspects of this "Pivotal Period" in our History, with honesty and truth (as we know it).

We do "Fireside Stories" about the battles, the people and the social happenings. In addition we dedicate one Thursday a month to the sharing of Songs, Poems and Letters from that era. So come back and visit; we'll save you a seat at the Fireside, and keep the Cider warm..... For a full listing of upcoming events, either look on the Schedule at the end of this Notice or in the Upcoming Events of the Genealogy Forum.

As we review the logs, and we find new visitors who show an interest or have entered into discussions on this topic in our Thursday sessions, we automatically add you to the distribution for this "Weekly Fireside."

AND Hey! TO YOU "FIRST-TIMERS" THIS WEEK, "Welcome"... :)

We heartily enjoyed your visit and participation. We really "fire up" with what members bring to the discussions, and we hope to see more of you.... Note that for any reason, should you desire to be removed from distribution of this "Weekly Missif," just drop us a line and we will comply with your wishes "post-haste".

Schedule of Upcoming Topics/Events*****

Time: Every Thursday Night at 11pm ET in the Golden Gates Chat Room (On AOL Only) with hosts HOST GFS Amy, HOST GFS Jayne, HOST GFS TEG and HOST GFS Jim and our many faithful friends :)

10/03/02 - OPEN CHAT

10/10/02 - Our Monthly sessions of Letters, Songs and Poems of the Civil War

10/17/02 - OPEN CHAT

10/24/02 - Battle of Spotslvania Court House May 12, 1864 by HOST GFS TEG

10/31/02 - OPEN CHAT

We'll See You Thursday Night..!
Your Joyful, Intelligent and Fun-lovin' Host's & Hostess's :-)
HOST GFS Jim, HOST GFS Jayne, HOST GFS TEG and HOST GFS Amy



Return to the Weekly Fireside Newsletter index

Return to the Main Page